Sprouty-related proteins with EVH1 domain (SPRED2) prevents high-glucose induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition and endothelial injury by suppressing MAPK activation

Long noncoding RNA profiling in hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp and its role in response to white spot syndrome virus infection

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a potential regulator of biological processes, including immunity, reproduction, and development. Although several transcriptome studies have focused on responses of viral infections in several organisms, the role of lncRNAs in viral responses in shrimp is still unclear. Therefore, this work aimed to identify putative lncRNAs and study their role in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in white shrimp. The hepatopancreas transcriptome from WSSV infected shrimp was analyzed in silico to identify putative lncRNAs. Among 221,347 unigenes of the de novo assembled transcriptome, 44,539 putative lncRNAs were identified, 32 of which were differentially expressed between WSSV-infected and control shrimp. Five candidate lncRNAs were validated for their expressions in shrimp tissues and in response to WSSV infection. Lnc164 was chosen for further investigation of its role in WSSV infection. Knockdown of lnc164 prolonged survival of shrimp when challenged with WSSV, suggesting a role in shrimp immunity. In addition, lnc164 was not directly involved in the control of total hemocytes and viral loads in hemolymph of WSSV-infected shrimp. A set of lnc164-regulated genes was obtained by RNA sequencing among which 251 transcripts were differentially expressed between lnc164 knockdown and control shrimp. Six immune-related genes were validated for their expression profiles. Our work sheds light on lncRNA profiles in L. vannamei in response to WSSV infection and paves the way to a functional study of lnc164 in host antiviral response.

Experimental Models to Study Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Myocardial Fibrosis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Fibrosis is a common feature of cardiovascular diseases and targets multiple organs, such as the heart and vessels. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a complex, vital process that occurs during embryonic formation and plays a crucial role in cardiac development. It is also a fundamental process implicated in cardiac fibrosis and repair, but also in other organs. Indeed, in numerous cardiovascular diseases, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to be involved in the generation of fibroblasts that are able to produce extracellular matrix proteins such as type I collagen. This massive deposition results in tissue stiffening and organ dysfunction. To advance our understanding of this process for the development of new specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, it is essential to develop relevant cellular and animal models of this process. In this review, our aim was to gain an in-depth insight into existing in vitro and in vivo models of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on cardiac fibrosis. We discuss important parameters impacting endothelial to mesenchymal transition, and we give perspectives for the development of relevant models to decipher the underlying mechanisms and ultimately find new treatments specific to fibrosis happening in cardiovascular diseases.

MAPK Pathways in Ocular Pathophysiology: Potential Therapeutic Drugs and Challenges

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways represent ubiquitous cellular signal transduction pathways that regulate all aspects of life and are frequently altered in disease. Once activated through phosphorylation, these MAPKs in turn phosphorylate and activate transcription factors present either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus, leading to the expression of target genes and, as a consequence, they elicit various biological responses. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review focusing on the roles of MAPK signaling pathways in ocular pathophysiology and the potential to influence these for the treatment of eye diseases. We summarize the current knowledge of identified MAPK-targeting compounds in the context of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and keratopathy, but also in rare ocular diseases where the cell differentiation, proliferation or migration are defective. Potential therapeutic interventions are also discussed. Additionally, we discuss challenges in overcoming the reported eye toxicity of some MAPK inhibitors.